How to Build a Therapist Website: A Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide

So, you’re ready to build your therapist website, but maybe you’re thinking, Where do I even start? The good news is, building a website for your practice doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right steps and platform, you can create a welcoming online space that reflects your personality and makes it easy for clients to connect with you.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the whole process, step by step. I’ll focus on platforms like Showit and Webflow (my faves), but I’ll also cover other options like SimplePractice, Squarespace, and Brighter Vision so you can figure out what works best for you!

Why Every Therapist Needs a Website

Your website is often the first impression potential clients have of you and your practice. It’s your opportunity to create a safe, inviting space where clients can learn about your approach and feel confident reaching out. A strong website can help you:

• Build Trust: A professional design and clear content show clients you’re serious about your work.
• Simplify Communication: A contact form or online scheduling tool makes it easy for clients to connect without all the awkward back and forth emails.
• Educate and Empower: Including resources or blog content can provide additional value for clients and prospects.

Step 1: Define Your Website Goals

Before you start picking colors and fonts, take a minute to think about why you’re building your site. What’s the vibe you want to create? What do you need it to do? Here are some common goals to consider:

• Showcase Your Services: Make it clear what you offer, whether that’s individual therapy, couples counseling, workshops, or all of the above.
• Streamline Booking: Add an online scheduler to make booking sessions super easy for clients.
• Build a Connection: Use your story, photos, and tone to help potential clients feel safe and understood.

Step 2: Decide Which Website Platform Works Best for You

When it comes to building your therapist website, there are so many platforms out there. Each one has its own vibe and features, so let’s break it down and figure out which one fits you best:

Showit

Showit is perfect if you’re looking for creative freedom and a user-friendly experience. With its drag-and-drop builder, you don’t need coding skills to create a beautiful, customized website. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with WordPress for blogging. This is the builder I’ve used to design past therapist client websites, and they have loved how easy it is to update on their own!

• Best For: Therapists who want a beautiful, custom website that’s easy to update.
• Key Features: Drag-and-drop tools, WordPress integration, and endless creative freedom.

Here are some of my favorite Showit therapist/mental health websites I’ve designed or have helped with: Jenkins Creative Counseling Center, Neuminds BHC & The Perinatal Collective.

Webflow

Webflow is for the detail-oriented (or the designers out there). It’s a bit more advanced, but if you want full control over every little element on your site, this is the one.

• Best For: Tech-savvy therapists or those working with a designer.
• Key Features: Advanced design capabilities (such as therapist filtering similar to First Session), SEO control, and the ability to create unique, interactive features.

SimplePractice

SimplePractice is designed specifically for therapists and wellness professionals. It combines a website builder with practice management tools like scheduling, billing, and client notes.

• Best For: Therapists looking for an all-in-one solution that integrates scheduling and billing.
• Key Features: Built-in scheduling, secure client portals, and HIPAA compliance.

Squarespace

Squarespace is a popular option for its sleek templates and ease of use. It’s great if you want a simple, professional-looking site without needing advanced features.

• Best For: Therapists who want a straightforward, clean design.
• Key Features: Modern templates, built-in SEO tools, and user-friendly editing.

Brighter Vision

Brighter Vision specializes in websites for therapists, offering an all-inclusive service that handles design, hosting, and even basic SEO. It’s a great option if you want a hands-off approach and prefer to let someone else take care of the details.

• Best For: Therapists who want a done-for-you solution tailored specifically to the mental health industry.
• Key Features: Custom-designed websites, built-in SEO, and ongoing support for updates and changes.

Step 3: Claim Your Domain Name

Your domain name is like your online address—it’s how clients will find you. A good domain should be clear, professional, and easy to remember.

Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:

• Keep It Simple: Short names like “YourNameTherapy.com” or “CityNameCounseling.com” are easier to remember. Avoid anything too long or complex.
• Use Your Name or Practice Name: Including your name or practice name helps make your domain recognizable.
• Pick the Right Extension: While “.com” is the go-to, other options like “.therapy” or “.org” can work just as well.
• Choose Where to Buy: Platforms like Squarespace and Showit let you purchase domains directly, or you can use registrars like Google Domains or Namecheap.

Step 4: Create a Design That Reflects Your Practice

Your website should feel like you. The design, colors, and layout should reflect your approach to therapy and resonate with your ideal clients. Here’s how to think about your design:

• Warm and Inviting: Use soft colors and friendly fonts to create a safe, approachable space.
• Professional and Minimalist: Opt for clean lines and neutral tones for a more polished, calming vibe.
• Unique and Personal: Add photos, videos, or testimonials that help clients get to know you better.

Think about the kind of energy you want to bring to your practice.

Not everyone has the time (or energy) to build a website from scratch. That’s why I created the Stacey Showit Template. It’s a ready-made, customizable solution to help you create a stunning site for your therapy practice in no time.

Step 5: Optimize Your Website for SEO

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) might sound a little intimidating, but it’s really just a way to help potential clients find you online. Think of it as making your website easier to spot when people are searching for therapists in your area or the specific services you offer. The good news? You don’t have to be a tech genius to improve your SEO! Here are some simple tips to get you started:

• Use Keywords Thoughtfully: Add phrases like “Therapist in [City]” or “Couples Counseling” to key areas of your site, such as your homepage, About page, and Services page. These are the terms people are likely to type into search engines when looking for a therapist like you.
• Add Meta Titles and Descriptions: This might sound fancy, but it’s basically just adding short, clear descriptions for each page. Platforms like Webflow and Squarespace make it easy to include your keywords here so search engines know what your site is about.
• Optimize Your Images: Don’t forget to add alt text to your photos—it’s a quick way to boost your SEO and make your site more accessible.
• Start a Blog: Share posts on mental health tips, FAQs, or anything you’re passionate about. It’s a great way to drive traffic to your site and show off your expertise.
• Get Local Love: Make sure your practice is listed on Google My Business to show up in local searches and help clients find you.

Platforms like Showit, Webflow, Squarespace, and Brighter Vision all have built-in tools to help you tackle these tasks. And if you’re ready to level up, my Website SEO Guide has everything you need to fully optimize your site and start ranking higher in search results!

Why Work With a Website Designer

Trying to build your own website can feel like a never-ending puzzle—so many pieces to figure out, and it can be hard to know where to start. That’s where working with a website designer can take the pressure off and make the process so much easier. Instead of spending hours tweaking things and stressing over design, you get a website that’s tailored to your practice and ready to help you connect with clients.

Here’s how a designer can make a difference:

• Save Yourself Time: Let’s face it—designing a site from scratch can take hours (and a lot of trial and error). A designer knows the ins and outs of building a site and can get it done in much less time.
• Get a Website That Feels Like You: A designer can create a site that reflects your personality and practice, helping you stand out in a way that feels authentic.
• Make Sure It Works Beautifully: From mobile-friendliness to SEO, a designer ensures your site isn’t just pretty—it’s functional and easy to use on every device.

See My Work in Action

I’ve worked with therapists to create websites that truly reflect who they are and the clients they want to attract. Here are a couple of examples:

Jenkins Counselling Center: I designed this website to feel bright, friendly, and instantly welcoming—perfect for clients seeking a safe and encouraging space.

Neuminds Behavioural: I designed this website to be clean, calming, and professional—a minimalist look that strikes the perfect balance between approachable and polished.

Each site is thoughtfully designed to represent the therapist’s unique style and approach to their work. Whether you’re dreaming of a vibrant, cheerful site or something sleek and understated, working with a designer ensures your website captures exactly what you want clients to feel when they visit.

Ready to Build Your Therapist Website?

Building a website doesn’t have to feel daunting. Whether you choose Showit, Webflow, SimplePractice, Squarespace, or Brighter Vision, the key is creating a space that reflects your values and connects with your clients.

If you’re feeling stuck, I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for a custom website build tailored specifically to your practice or a ready-made solution like my Stacey Template for Showit, I specialize in creating websites that feel authentic, professional, and inviting.

Let’s bring your vision to life and create a website that supports your practice and helps you connect with the clients you’re meant to help.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links. If you go through them to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I only share about companies that I truly believe in and use myself! For my details on affiliate links, please visit my terms of use.